I'm using student version Mathematica 10 on a 64 bit windows 8 Inspiron laptop.

I am having trouble importing data from my home directory into Mathematica. Usually I can get the file imported in a long roundabout process but I know many other people are able to import things easily and efficiently. I don't know whether I have missed certain steps in the process or didn't set it up right.

Can someone help me walk through the import process from a home directory including what kind of files mathematica is compatible with and what is the best way to get them onto the program.

Thanks.